Votes missing; observers hissing MIAMI -- A new wave of election problems in South Florida on Wednesday kept elections officials laboring for a second straight night to retrieve votes from touch screen machines that had been expected to spit out results in record time.

Outcome of primaries influences GOP leader TALLAHASSEE -- Miami state Rep. Gaston Cantens on Wednesday pulled out of the race to be state House speaker in 2004, leaving Rep. Allen Bense of Panama City the only contender for the post if Republicans keep their large majority in the House.

Florida's few races among the keys to House's future Florida may have only a few competitive congressional races in November, but the state could help decide whether Republicans or Democrats control the House of Representatives, party officials said after a primary election that produced no surprises.

Escambia commissioner pleads no contest PENSACOLA -- One of two suspended Escambia County commissioners who have made deals with prosecutors entered no-contest pleas Wednesday as part of an agreement that includes testifying against W.D. Childers, another suspended commissioner.